Wofford players enjoy collegiate swan song at All Star Bowl

Friday

Feb 14, 2014 at 12:01 AMFeb 15, 2014 at 12:26 AM

Offensive linemen Jared Singleton and Tymeco Gregory helped the Nationals to a 12-6 win over strong safety James Zotto and the Americans. Outside linebacker Alvin Scioneaux was scheduled to play for the Nationals but tweaked his ankle and did not dress out for the game.

By MATT CONNOLLYmatthew.connolly@shj.com

GREENVILLE — A trio of Wofford College players finished off their college football careers at Furman of all places on Friday night in the College All Star Bowl.Offensive linemen Jared Singleton and Tymeco Gregory helped the Nationals to a 12-6 win over strong safety James Zotto and the Americans. Outside linebacker Alvin Scioneaux was scheduled to play for the Nationals but tweaked his ankle and did not dress out for the game.Gregory said it felt great to play in the all-star game and help his team earn a victory.“I’ve never actually won at Furman. We’ve beat them at Wofford, but we’ve never beat them at Furman. I can finally smile leaving Furman’s field,” he said. “It was a great experience. I had a great time. I feel like I did really well.”College players from around the country competed in the game as the SEC, ACC, Big 12, Pac 12 and Big Ten were represented on the field.Gregory said the chance to compete against players from some of the top programs in the country was very beneficial.“Getting to see your talent against FBS guys, coming from an FCS school, it really makes you humble, because you don’t really get that competition,” he said. “When you finally get to show your skills it shows how to measure yourself.”Despite the Americans suffering a loss, Zotto enjoyed the experience of the game and events throughout the week leading up to it.“It was a good time hanging out with everyone all week. The plans got a little messed up with the snow, but it was fun to meet all the new people, the kids from the bigger schools playing with the kids from the smaller schools. It was a good time,” he said. “There were 20 or 25 scouts here getting our heights, weights, talking to us, so I’m sure it’s very beneficial for us to play in this game.”Even though he did not suit up for the game, Scioneaux did get an opportunity to practice in front of scouts during the week.He said the ankle injury is minor and he will be good to go for Wofford’s Pro Day. He enjoyed his time this week despite not being able to compete.“It was a good experience anyway,” he said. “I got to know a lot of great players from all over the country and also some great coaches and NFL legends.”Singleton said ending his college career by playing one final game with some of his teammates was icing on the cake after an enjoyable career.“I thank Wofford College for the opportunity,” he said. They gave a guy from Lugoff, South Carolina the chance to play the game of his dreams. It’s just a blessing.”Wofford coach Mike Ayers attended the game to support his former players and said it was a different experience being in the stands for a game as opposed to being on the sideline.“The crazy thing is it’s been a long, long time since I’ve been up in the stands watching a college football game,” he said. “I’m up there yelling like I’m down there on the sideline. Most people probably thought I was nuts.”Ayers said all four of the players represented themselves well during the game Friday night and throughout their time at Wofford.“I thought our guys did a great job. They came off the ball, they were moving people; they stayed on their feet. James did a great job tackling in space against some great running backs,” he said. “They got their education. They played college football, All-American, All-Conference guys. They’re going to be great guys whether football is in their life from here on out or whether they go to the job market.”

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